Transitioning from full-time to part-time football is something Cove Rangers defender Shay Logan had prepared for.
But he also wants to encourage young footballers to do the same.
Logan undertook a college course to become a plumber and helps run the Logan2Wilson firm in Aberdeen.
It meant when he left the full-time game last summer at the end of his Aberdeen contract, he had a trade to fall back on when he joined part-time side Cove.
There are aspects of the transition he has found challenging, but there are enough examples out there of those who have struggled once the full-time contracts – and money – dry up.
“It’s only difficult in the training side of things,” said Logan. “You’re very mothered playing full-time football, because you don’t really know anything different coming out of school at 16.
‘Any youngsters out there – go and get yourself an education’
“That’s why I took up a trade, so I’ve got that to keep me busy. Any youngsters out there – go and get yourself an education.
“Football is difficult – I played 450-500 games and you don’t earn enough at this level to retire (afterwards). When you don’t earn that much money and you do come back out of full-time football, you need something to fall back on.
“I know it’s hard, but you’ll thank yourself at the end of it. You do need a fall-back.
“People who come out of full-time football may struggle otherwise.
“For me, I love training. I still go to the gym every day and keep myself fit. I’ve always been that sort of person.
“It’s easy not to do that and find yourself in a rut. But you’re playing for a team where you need to be producing and keep yourself fit. Luckily, I do.”
Logan has found himself in a great situation at Cove. He has been able to remain in Aberdeen, but also join a team with lofty ambitions.
They find themselves top of League One, with a five-point advantage with five games remaining.
“Everything has suited me here, but I wanted to give my experience,” said Logan. “You want to win leagues anywhere, but I knew we had a great team.
“The gaffer has done a lot in the game and has experience at a high level. All the foundations are there to be a big club.
“You’ve got one team out of Aberdeen who are a big club. We want to grab on their coat-tails and do well.”
‘Every game is a cup final’
Cove have thrived under the pressure this season. For all Airdrieonians have thrown at them – they are 15 games unbeaten – Paul Hartley’s side have been able to weather it.
When the two met at the Excelsior Stadium on Saturday, it appeared the Diamonds were heading for a huge three points. That was until Fraser Fyvie’s sensational intervention in stoppage-time.
“They’re the sort of moments people love football for,” said Logan. “It’s always a good feeling when you’re on the right side of it.
“We started very slowly, which wasn’t good enough, but we never know when we’re beaten.
🥳 A very Happy Birthday to Fraser Fyvie!
Early birthday presents don't get much better than this… 🤩
Enjoy your day, @F_FYVIE 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QFeUTpOdYm
— Cove Rangers FC (@CoveRangersFC) March 27, 2022
“If you want to go win leagues you’ve got to dig in. At first off, you don’t think of how many games you are unbeaten – I was only made aware of it when we reached 20. It’s a great feat.
“I’ve missed a few games over the last few months through injury and the lads have dug in.
“Fair play to Airdrie, they’ve stuck in. The league could have been over a long time ago the way we’ve been playing. They’ve done their bit.
“Every game is a cup final. No league is won until it’s mathematically won. We know that and won’t be thinking any different.”